Religious leaders, elders and children in Monrovia Liberia undertook a week of Interfaith prayers from the 16th -21st of November 2010 in commemoration of the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children (DPAC) and the UN international children’s day.
Supported by the women’s desk of the Liberia’s African Council of Religious leaders (ACRL) – representing the country’s women of faith network, UNICEF, the Gender Ministry, the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC) Africa and other groups including the Seventh Day Adventists (SDA), the Muslim community and the Catholic Church – the religious leaders mobilized 150 children for special prayers and honor at the ACRL offices on 20th November 2010. Besides the interfaith prayers, the children and guests enjoyed a program of brief presentations in honor of children rights, as well as some refreshments and meals. The SDA group was also more visible on Saturday making a special appeal to their members to spare some thought and time for prayers and acts of good for the children, especially the less fortunate ones who have been victims of Liberia long internal conflicts.
Earlier on the 16th of November 2010, the Muslim community’s religious leaders, while observing and celebrating the end of the Hajj pilgrimage, took the opportunity to pray for children of Liberia and the world. The Muslim community gathered after the Eid prayers to make special prayers for the children and advocate for their continued protection and care. The Friday prayers in local mosques were also a chance for more prayers for children and advocacy on children issues and rights, Muslim religious leaders reminding their followers about the precious gift that children are to humanity.
The celebrations ended on Sunday 21st December when the president of the ACRL council called upon all religious leaders and people of Liberia to re-double their efforts in caring for the children. The Catholic Church also organized special prayers on this date and reminded its followers about their duty towards children. Some religious leaders like Sheikh Mohammed Sheriff continued on advocating that in future, DPAC activities and prayers, to be held and organized on a week basis rather than a day, in order to ensure a greater impact and outcome.
